Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen "begged" for the "dangerous" São Paulo Grand Prix to be stopped, on his way to a stunning victory.
The reigning world champion recovered from 17th on the grid to end his 10-race winless streak, at a soaked Interlagos.
Verstappen made up six places on the first lap alone, before picking off the drivers ahead of him.
A crucial factor in the Dutchman's victory was his decision not to pit prior to a red flag on lap 33 – Franco Colapinto crashed – unlike Lando Norris who finished sixth.
The rain took a significant turn for the worse moments prior to the red flag, to the extent that several drivers, including Verstappen, called for the race to be stopped.
Verstappen found himself in second when the red flag occurred, allowing him to change tyres and remain in P2.
Not long after the race got back underway, the 27-year-old overtook Esteban Ocon for the lead of the race.
Marko was dazzled by Verstappen's performance but was shocked the race was not stopped before Colapinto's accident.
"He was driving in his own world," Marko told Sky DE. "When Max had free air, he was flying.
"His overtakes were sensationally deployed and when there was a lot of rain, he also begged to stop the race.
"I don't understand why they drove two more dangerous laps, but it was a demonstration by Max. It is the right reaction to everything that has been going on lately."
Verstappen once again demonstrated his superiority in the rain and extended his lead in the F1 drivers' title to 62 points.
"It's about his incredible car control, especially in the rain," explained Marko. "That instinct leads him to explore the limit much more than anyone else.
"That was already the case in 2016, a similar race. The world title is within reach."
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